Grommets: complete guide, materials, types and manufacturer catalogue

Grommets (also called eyelets in many sectors) are metal rings with a tubular body inserted through holes to reinforce them and allow the passage of ropes, rods or hooks without the material wearing out. At Industria Acosta Pramon we manufacture them in Barcelona since 1947, in every size, material and finish required by the textile, marine, advertising and garment industries.

This guide covers everything you need to choose the right grommet: materials, types, standards, applications by sector and finishes available. At the end you will find our full catalogue with standard sizes.

What is a grommet and what is it used for?

A grommet is a hollow metal ring with a central cylindrical tube. It is made of two parts:

• The body, with the head (visible part) and a tube (stem) that goes through the material.
• The washer (counterpart) placed on the back. When riveted, the tube folds over the washer, creating a firm joint.

A grommet performs three essential functions:

• Reinforces the hole so the material (fabric, canvas, leather) does not wear out with repeated use.
• Allows the passage of cords, ropes, rods, hooks or fasteners.
• Adds aesthetic finish to the design, especially in curtains, leather goods, fashion and advertising.

If you want to understand the exact difference between eyelet, grommet and rivet — three terms often confused — read our definitive technical guide on eyelet vs grommet.

Available materials for manufacturing grommets

The material defines durability, cost and aesthetics. We produce grommets in the four industry standards:

Material	Characteristics	Typical applications
Brass	Corrosion resistance, warm golden aesthetic, easy to machine	Decorative curtains, premium leather goods, recreational marine
Steel	Economical, high resistance with galvanic treatment	Standard manufacturing, industrial canvas, treated outdoors
Aluminium	Lightweight, non-corroding, neutral silver tone	Light curtains, sheers, fine garment manufacturing, labels
Stainless steel	Maximum resistance to salt and chemical corrosion	Professional marine, aggressive outdoor, food industry

To decide which to use on each project, we have prepared a detailed guide on how to choose the right material for your eyelets covering every criterion (final use, environment, budget, aesthetics).

Types of grommets by shape and standard

Beyond material, grommets are classified by the geometry of their head and by the industrial standards they meet. These are the main families we manufacture:

Flat grommets

The flat grommet has a circular flat head, low height and discreet profile. It is the most used in residential curtains and garment manufacturing where the grommet must be subtle. Available in brass, steel and aluminium. Browse the flat grommets catalogue with all sizes.

Folded grommets

The folded grommet has a curved head profile that adds volume and a more decorative finish. Common in technical curtains and applications where the grommet is part of the visual design. More info on our folded grommets page.

DIN 7332 grommets

For industrial applications with technical requirements, we manufacture grommets according to DIN 7332 standard with certified sizes and traceability. Essential in projects where the grommet must meet international specifications. See the DIN 7332 grommets catalogue.

Reversible grommets

The reversible grommet has the same finish on both sides of the material, ideal when the part is visible from both faces (room dividers, commercial displays). Reversible grommets catalogue.

TIR grommets for truck tarpaulins

TIR grommets are reinforced parts designed for truck and trailer tarpaulins, capable of withstanding the tension of international customs sealing. Read the complete guide on TIR grommets for truck and trailer.

Hexagonal and oval eyelets

In addition to round grommets, we manufacture eyelets with hexagonal and oval heads for decorative or technical applications where round geometry does not fit. Check our catalogue of eyelets and grommets to see them all.

Grommets by application and sector

Each sector has its own logic of use. These are the main ones:

Curtains and home textiles

The curtain grommet is the most well-known use case. It allows the curtain to slide along the rod and, in some designs, becomes part of the aesthetic. We have specific guides for different curtain types:

• Complete guide to curtain eyelets (types, materials, sizes).
• Shower curtain eyelets (humidity resistance).
• Eyelet tape for curtains: types and how to use it.

Awnings, tarps and outdoor advertising

For awnings, advertising banners and PVC tarpaulins, the grommet must withstand rope tension and weather. We recommend marine brass or stainless steel. More in our awning and tarp eyelets guide.

Marine and saltwater environments

In sails, marine covers and equipment exposed to saline environments, the critical material is marine brass or AISI 316 stainless steel. We have been working with professional marine manufacturers for decades and can supply certified batches.

Leather goods, footwear and fashion

In leather goods the grommet has a decorative function in addition to functional. Special finishes carry weight here: antique gold, rose gold, matte black, custom RAL. If your project requires it, see our guide on special-finish eyelets: colours, textures and applications.

Technical garment and PPE

In workwear, PPE and technical equipment, grommets are used for fixation, ventilation and reinforcement. Mechanical resistance of treated steel or stainless steel matters here.

Finishes available

Beyond the base material, we offer multiple finishes:

• Galvanic: nickel-plated (matte or bright), blackened, antique gold, aged.
• Stocked enamels: gloss white, matte white, gloss black, matte black.
• RAL colours on demand: any reference from the classic RAL chart.
• Special metallic tones: bronze, copper, rose, rose gold, platinum, pearl grey.
• Textures: hammered (martelé), satin, granulated.

All detailed information on finishes, minimum orders and lead times is in our dedicated guide on special finishes.

How to choose the right grommet: key criteria

To decide which grommet you need, consider these five criteria in order:

1. Final application: decorative curtain, technical tarp, leather goods, marine. Each use asks for a different type.
2. Substrate material: fine fabric, PVC canvas, thick leather. Defines the required diameter and height.
3. Use environment: dry indoors, outdoor with rain, saline. Determines material and finish.
4. Volume and lead time: standard stock or specific production. Defines whether we find in catalogue or manufacture custom.
5. Aesthetics: visible or discreet, classic or modern. Influences finish and type (flat, folded, decorative).

If you have doubts, the quickest route is our eyelet sizes guide on how to measure and choose, combined with the material guide.

How to install a grommet

Proper installation depends on tooling and work volume. For small batches manual pliers or hammer kits are used; for industrial series, pneumatic, electric or hydraulic machines. Browse our setting machines catalogue for all options.

Plastic vs metal grommets

Plastic grommets (nylon, polypropylene) exist as a seemingly cheaper alternative, but they have major limitations in durability and UV resistance. We have detailed the differences and the cases where each makes sense in our comparison: plastic vs metal eyelets: when to use each.

Why buy from the manufacturer: the Industria Acosta Pramon difference

We have been manufacturing grommets in Barcelona since 1947. Three generations of the same family, the same factory continuously expanded, and industrial customers who have been working with us for decades. The difference between buying from the manufacturer and from a distributor shows up in:

• Direct factory pricing with no intermediaries.
• Real stock in our own warehouse: if it is in catalogue, it is available.
• Quality control per batch, without mixing origins or raw materials.
• Customisation capability: custom sizes and finishes for volume projects.
• Technical advice included, at no extra cost.

If you want a deeper dive, read why buy direct from an eyelet manufacturer in Spain and our rivet manufacturer in Spain guide for our complementary product range.

Complete catalogue of standard sizes

Below you will find the catalogue of grommets in stock with all sizes, materials and references. The tables are interactive: you can filter and sort.